Ferrovia Circumetnea is the name of a 950 mm narrow-gauge railway line running near Mount Etna, as well as the name of the operator managing both this railway and the metro in Catania. The 110 km-long line connects Catania with Riposto, but despite its name, it does not form a full circle around Etna.
The first section of the railway, from Catania Borgo to Adernó (now Adrano), opened in 1895, followed by the remaining segments, with the final stretch (Catania Gaito-Porto) completed in 1898.
Originally built with a 950 mm gauge, the line was initially operated by steam locomotives, mostly serving as a mixed freight-passenger railway. Two of these old steam locomotives still exist—one stored in a depot and another displayed as a monument at Catania Borgo Station.
Between 1926 and 1927, a branch line to Castiglione di Sicilia was added but was later closed in the 1960s.
Today, the starting station is Catania Borgo, as the segment Catania Borgo-Porto was moved underground in 1999, forming a 4 km metro line.
For years, Ferrovia Circumetnea was a tourist attraction due to its outdated rolling stock, slow ride and scenic views. However, since 2015, the old trains have been gradually replaced with modern Polish-made “Volcano” diesel multiple units.
Tourist groups can also rent a vintage FIAT ALn56 railcar, known as “Litorina”. Two of these 1937-built railcars remain in the fleet, with one being fully restored and operational.
Timetable
Timetable and prices – official website
Train Routes & Travel Information
Generally, the railway operates in two routes:
Catania – Randazzo
Randazzo – Riposto
These routes are not always synchronized, so completing the entire journey round-trip (with sightseeing in Randazzo and Riposto) takes a full day. The one-way journey with the shortest transfer takes about 3.5 hours.
Due to track maintenance and metro construction in Catania, train routes may change, and some services may be replaced by buses.
Important Notice!
Ferrovia Circumetnea does not accept the Italia in Tour tickets.
Key Stations Along the Circumetnea Line
Paternò – Features a small Romanesque castle built in 1073, later used as a residence and prison, along with several churches and a sanctuary.
Santa Maria di Licodia – A small town (7,000 residents) with religious landmarks and a watchtower. The railway runs through the town center.
Biancavilla – A larger town (25,000 residents) with churches and historic buildings. The railway also passes through the center.
Adrano – One of the oldest settlements near Etna. Highlights include the Norman Castle (c. 1070) and the Ponte dei Saraceni (Saracens’ Bridge). The tracks run through the city center.
Bronte – Known for lava fields, historic churches, and pistachio plantations.
Maletto – A small town (4,000 residents) with a scenic viewpoint built on the ruins of an ancient castle.
Randazzo – A charming town (10,000 residents) close to Etna, with medieval gates, churches, a Natural Science Museum, and buildings made of volcanic rock.
Linguaglossa – Considered one of the most beautiful towns along the route, featuring historical architecture and churches.
Giarre (Riposto Station) – The final station of the Circumetnea railway, home to several churches, including a notable cathedral.
Related articles:
Train travel in Italy – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Italy
Scenic railways in Italy
Train travel in Sicily
Train travel in Sardinia
Rack railways in Italy
Heritage railways in Italy
